What's my best option for putting a new motor on a GoDevil?

The 23 Vanguard I have on it with 165 hours has scorched cylinders.

I was thinking a Predator 22 HP if it will line up? If I decide to sell, how much is the tail worth, without a motor (or the one that is shot)?

I would buy the Predator and not look back. If you go that route, message me for some tips. I set one up on a Backwater that has over 100 hours now and no problems. It ran great. (sold to a friend) The dimensions on the two are the same.

What year is the GD frame? My first thought would be under 1,000 dollars. I base that off buying a brand new Backwater frame for 1700+ shipping. Just my opinion.

It's a 2003...

How much work am I looking at for the swap, and how big of a PITA? Should I expect good speeds from the predator? On a 16x54 modv

If your willing to ship that dead 23 to Texas I'm intrested $

Shouldn't be too much work - a few hours tops. Disconnect the throttle linkage and battery connections, disconnect the bracket supports for the longtail, slide the u-joint off the crank, remove the 4 bolts from the base plate. I swapped engines on a Backwater and it took less than an hour. It should be similar. The Backwater was probably a little more time consuming than a GD would be.

And not to rain on your parade, but if it was my frame and I was hoping to sell it - I'd be happy to get 500 for it knowing its a 2003.

Will I be able to hook my hand throttle up to the predator?

yes, same carb connection

Why not rebuild the 23? PVT could help you out, he has take off parts available from his performance builds.